FREE • SOUTH BRISTOL EDITION • ISSUE 26 • DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016
INSIDE Keep your cool this Christmas New Year, New You feature Christmas Recipes Win exciting prizes HEYMAG.CO.UK
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WELCOME Director Tina Veater 07834 542955 | tina@ignyte-uk.co.uk Editorial Team Tina Veater info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Advertising Team Zoe Jenkins Theresa Saadeh Carmen Goodwin 01761 410141 | info@ignyte-uk.co.uk Graphic Designer Pamela Evans Published by Ignyte Media Ltd Printed by Flying Colours Ltd, Weare, Somerset Business Address: Ignyte Media Ltd, Unit G5, Second Avenue, Westfield Industrial Estate, Radstock, BA3 4BH 01761 410141 info@ignyte-uk.co.uk While every care has been taken to ensure the data contained in the publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Ignyte do not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system in any form without the prior permission of the publisher. Distribution: We deliver to 7,500 families through primary schools and other outlets in Keynsham and South Bristol.
It certainly feels as though the winter has arrived. The mornings and evenings are getting colder and we have seen out the first few frosts of the season. Although there have been lots of talk of snow, it looks as though we will not be celebrating a white Christmas this year. The winter is always a time when many bugs and germs spread. Central heating and a lack of fresh air create breeding grounds for these horrible bugs. Ensure you wash your hands regularly throughout the day and cover your nose and mouth when sneezing too. Always discard used tissues and be sure to keep a healthy diet. I hope all of the children have written their letters to Santa and are also starting to prepare the goodies to leave out for him on Christmas Eve. Make sure you stay safe over the festive period, be careful with lit candles, open fires and the choking hazard of small toys for little children. Many of us will be thinking about losing a few pounds after Christmas and our “New Year, New You’ section will give you some great ideas of how to get yourself in shape and looking forward to enjoying a healthy start to 2016. This edition of the magazine includes some great festive craft ideas, which can make wonderful gifts for friends and family. There are also some novelty recipes enabling you to bring a festive feel to your buffet table or Christmas parties. The children, with adult supervision, can make all of the crafts and recipes. It is always a good idea to start thinking about your New Year resolutions before Christmas. The support from family and friends will always help you to achieve your objective. That may be giving up smoking, saving more money, having a healthier diet or even planning more fun times with the children, whatever your resolutions are we wish you good luck with achieving them in 2016. Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with those that mean a lot to you so make a pledge to visit the elderly, spend time with your family and enjoy fun with friends throughout your holiday break. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all.
Tina
The next edition is in February 2016 & is filling fast. Hey Magazine
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Time to Enter a New World Recent research with 1500 parents across the country, explored the benefits performing arts activities have in multiple channels of a child’s life. Many of the parents surveyed worry that children are in danger of growing up not knowing how to communicate clearly (57%) and being unable to speak confidently in front of a group of people (55%). Parents are seeing the powerful impact the performing arts is having on their children, with over 90% feeling that their child is more confident at school. An overwhelming majority of the parents surveyed have seen improvements in their child’s confidence, social skills and general happiness and well-being. The parents also saw improvements in their child’s academic performance (85%), confidence at school (94%), imagination (94%) and general happiness and well-being (95%). Many experts in the field believe that education in the creative arts is vital to individuals as a vehicle for expression and skills development. One of these experts is Stagecoach Theatre Arts. They believe that a focus on teaching life skills, in addition to academic knowledge, will help develop independent, creative learners who are more able to adapt to new situations. How does Stagecoach achieve all of this? Stagecoach provides tuition in the performing arts for 4 – 18 year-olds. Small class sizes ensure that each student receives the attention needed to develop as an individual in all aspects of life. They teach their students how to be confident and resilient; how to confidently take on exciting challenges and venture on new, unknown journeys. Stagecoach provides students with the opportunity to perform in London’s West End and at Disneyland Paris, as well as in one of the
many regional events across the country. Students are able to take LAMDA examinations, which not only contributes towards UCAS points but also boosts their ability to present themselves in front of others; an essential life skill for any career they may choose. Stagecoach Theatre Arts has always believed that their duty is not just to teach young people how to sing, dance and act. They believe that they also work to create well-rounded children and teenagers who are innovative, achieving and expressive individuals. Stagecoach’s aims are supported by the recent research. The surveyed parents found that, since joining a performing arts activity, there have been improvements in their child’s ability to find innovative solutions to problems (91%), to express opinions to adults they don’t know (94%) and to listen attentively (89%). Stagecoach supports mainstream education and provides opportunities for children and young people to experience performing arts and all the benefits it brings, in their local community. Olivia Kennard, the Principal of Stagecoach Bristol Keynsham, said “At Stagecoach Keynsham we delight in seeing our students evolve in front of our eyes. As their confidence blossoms and they bloom as individuals, we feel proud knowing that we are helping to create strong, dynamic generations.” Send your child on a journey of discovery today. Stagecoach Theatre Arts Bristol Keynsham runs on a Saturday at Wellsway School. To speak to Olivia, the Principal, please call 0117 9028925. You can also visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/bristolkeynsham for further information on the joy Stagecoach will bring to your and your child’s lives.
TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds.
Find out more and start your child’s journey today stagecoach.co.uk/ bristolkeynsham 0117 9028925 bristoleast@stagecoach.co.uk
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 5
KEEP YOUR CHRISTMAS COOL A
perfect Christmas. It’s what we see in the television adverts, it’s what we all want for our families. The desired scene looks something like this: everyone grouped around the log burner/fireplace/gas fire, exchanging gifts (exquisitely wrapped) while looking forward to a wonderful roast followed by a jaw dropping selection of deserts and fine wines and sherries, and more goodies... The 25th December is loaded with expectation and trying to measure up to those expectations can be tough. According to the mental health charity MIND, one in five of us feels seriously stressed during the festive season, while the Samaritans expect an additional 100,000 calls during the holiday period. Much of the pressure surrounding Christmas actually comes from within and there’s a lot you can do to reduce the stress you put yourself under. Before you start to feel your stress levels rise, consider these stress-busting suggestions…
PLAN
As is so often the case when it comes to stress, the key to keeping your Christmas cool is to make a plan. Getting stressed/losing your cool is usually a response to feeling out of control of any given situation. Creating a plan of action is one way of putting yourself firmly in the driving seat for the festive season. Write out what you need to do in the run up to the Big Day, and, where possible, delegate some of these tasks. You might ask your family to help out with putting up Christmas decorations. When people offer to help, for example, by ‘bringing a dish’, say yes. By writing out a plan, you’ll be able to better see where the opportunities lie for outsourcing some of your responsibilities. Plus, if you are in danger of expecting too much of yourself – it’ll be all the clearer in a list. You may be planning to make everything from scratch, but once you see the list of all there is to do (cakes, pies, quiches, stuffing etc…), you might forgive yourself for buying in a bit more…
MONEY
The tendency is to overspend at Christmas and feeling anxious about the amount of money flying out of your account can really mar your enjoyment of the festive period. Try and reassure yourself that you are not about to be measured by what you spend. Yes, December will be a more costly month than most, especially footing the bill for gifts. But there is no need to buy more food and drink than you need. And it might be possible to cut the cost of present buying by agreeing with wider family and friends on a cap for spending. Create a budget that you can afford and stick to it.
FAMILY
Another pressure at Christmas time is the prospect of spending time with family members you may not normally see or even get
on with. Add overly excitable kids into the mix, and it’s not hard to see why divorce lawyers count January to be their busiest month… But you try and make sure that Christmas doesn’t become a memorable day for the wrong reasons. If there have been family rows during the year, try and resolve them before the festive season. Use your plan for the day (as discussed above!) to involve others in things like cooking so you don’t feel like you’re slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else is relaxing. It’s also worth thinking about how the day will pan out. Rather than sitting around for hours on end, perhaps after Christmas dinner you could go for a family walk, play a board game, or watch a good film. Avoid drowning your sorrows! Too much booze could send you over the tipping point in a fragile social situation.
ACTIVITY
On the theme of the post-Christmas dinner walk, an excellent way to combat stress in the lead up to Christmas – as well as on the day – is to keep active. You may feel that the short winter days are a cue to hibernate indoors. But brisk walks, cycling or running will do wonders to help energise you.
PERFECTION
Much as most people want the perfect day, it can be hard not to get caught up in the hype of Christmas and the wish to host a perfect family day. But perfection doesn’t necessarily equate to enjoyable. Above all, Christmas should really be about enjoying time out from the usual routine. Imperfections create some of the best memories about Christmas. The collection of odd sized chairs around a wobbly dining table, forgetting the sprouts in the microwave and someone opening the wrong present… It is all part of Christmas’ chaotic charm!
YOU
Christmas day can whizz by in a festive blur without you so much as pulling a cracker or tasting your turkey because you’re anxiously watching everyone else eating, wanting to make sure they have all that they need. But remember that it is your Christmas too. Make sure that you factor into your plan time to relax, play with the kids and generally enjoy your efforts.
CHARITY
Whether you are or are not Christian, it’s worth remembering the occasion of the festive season. This is a holiday that is all about love and giving. You and your family might take the attention off yourselves and give some time towards a charitable cause. If you are Christian, or just open minded, go along to a Christmas church service, you find that you enjoy connecting to the wider spiritual significance of the day.
6 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU W
ith a brand new year just round the corner, the close of the 2015 festive season for many of us marks the start of 2016’s resolutions. Whether it’s to do with losing weight, stopping smoking, getting fitter or starting a new hobby, making a New Year’s list of resolutions is the easy bit. Sticking to those resolutions is a much taller task. In fact, recent research by the University of Hertfordshire, which tracked 5,000 people as they attempted to achieve New Year resolutions, found that only one in ten was able to accomplish their goal. The key finding from the report suggested that people are more likely to achieve goals if they are broken into smaller chunks that are specific, measurable and time-based (given deadlines). Here’s our top 10 tips to setting your goals – and achieving them. 1. Prioritise your resolutions. The temptation can be to write a long list of goals for the New Year in the hope that a new, more disciplined you will spring out of bed on 1st January. Try and be realistic. Hone in on one or two goals that you can channel your energy into. 2. Don’t leave your resolutions to the last minute. Give yourself some time out over the festive break to think through what it is you would like to change about your life. What would you ultimately like to achieve? If for example, you would like to feel fitter, you could work back from that goal to consider the steps you need to take to achieve that such as finding time to run or improving your diet. 3. Avoid previous New Year resolutions. Going over old ground can feel demoralising and, if you were unable to stick to a resolution last year, why would this year be different? Instead of setting the same goal, set a related goal with, perhaps, more bitesize aims. So, if you’d like to lose weight, rather than setting an ambitious weight-loss goal, consider something like not snacking between meals. 4. Think deeply about what you want from life, rather opting for ‘standard’ general resolutions. Yes, resolutions like losing weight or getting fit make sense for the sake of your health and wellbeing, but perhaps think in more specific terms. Would you like to be
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HEYMAG.CO.UK | 7 fitter so that you could enjoy activities such as running? If so, would doing something specific like joining your local running club be more doable? The chances are that taking this one decisive step would in any case lead to further benefits, like meeting new people and getting involved with events that would necessarily mean you’d start to get fitter. 5. Break you goal into a series of steps. Successfully achieving one small step towards a larger goal, means you are far more likely to stay on track. Take for example the goal of changing career. It’s a daunting prospect that could well leave you feeling you lack the energy to make any move at all. So start small. Resolve to revamp your CV and maybe start researching the career area you’d like to move into. Set a series of realistic deadlines to achieve these tasks. 6. Enlist your friends’ and family’s support. Flying solo can make a challenging goal even harder to achieve. For example, if you want to cut the amount of alcohol you drink, the last thing you want is to see your partner quaffing wine every evening. Explain your goal to those around you. Your nearest and dearest will probably want to do all that they can to lend support. 7. Think positively! It’s easy to focus on the negatives when you are trying to achieve something. But try not to beat yourself up. Try and balance negative thoughts with all the positive things you have manages to accomplish. 8. Carrot rather than stick! Give yourself a small reward when you achieve one of your ‘sub-goals’ or a step on the way to your larger goal. As well as being a well-earned treat, these rewards will help to make the process of realising your goal enjoyable. And the more fun it is to achieving your goals, the more likely you are to get there. 9. Write down your plans – and chart your successes. Just as there are few things as satisfying as ticking off things from a ‘to do’ list, seeing your successes written on paper will do wonders for helping you to keep up momentum. 10. Progress your goals throughout the year. You don’t have to set your goals on 31 December! As the New Year progresses, shift your goal posts as you progress too. You may find that you are more successful at making changes that you thought you would be – so push yourself that little bit extra. In the case of running for example, if you get achieve your goal of running 5k by June, why not try for 10k by Christmas 2016! There’s a wealth of information out there about how to make changes to your life and improve your health and wellbeing. One good place to start is the NHS’ Livewell website at www.nhs.uk/ livewell. The website is packed with information about how to get, or keep, active; lose weight; improve diet; and make a host of other beneficial lifestyle changes. Remember that your GP can also signpost you to services that will help support a healthy and positive lifestyle. Learndirect , Monarch House, Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol BS1 4EX
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Our qualifications and programmes could give you the skills and knowledge to help you find your perfect job. By providing employment opportunities with our courses, we could also help you find work. Courses currently available at Plymouth learndirect:
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THE HISTORY OF THE STOCKING A
ccording to folklore, the tradition of the Christmas Stocking dates back to the days of a kindly nobleman whose wife had died of an illness leaving him and his three daughters in despair. After losing all his money in useless and bad inventions the family had to move into a peasant’s cottage, where the daughters did their own cooking, sewing and cleaning. When it came time for the daughters to marry, the father became even more depressed as his daughters could not marry without dowries - money and property given to the new husband’s family. One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the nobleman’s house. Looking in the window Saint Nicholas saw the family had gone to bed. He also noticed the daughters’ stockings.
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Inspiration struck Saint Nicholas and he took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them one by one down the chimney and they landed in the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry and he lived a long and happy life. Children all over the world continue the tradition of hanging Christmas stockings. In some countries children have similar customs, in France the children place their shoes by the fireplace, a tradition dating back to when children wore wooden peasant shoes. In Holland the children fill their shoes with hay and a carrot for the horse of Sintirklass. In Hungary children shine their shoes before putting them near the door or a window sill. Italian children leave their shoes out the night before Epiphany, January 5, for La Befana the good witch. And in Puerto Rico children put greens and flowers in small boxes and place them outside the front door.
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Suzie’s Diary
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 9
Dear Diary, It’s just a few weeks until Christmas and we are nowhere near prepared. We don’t even know for sure if we’re hosting Christmas dinner or going to my mum’s. Of course, it’s all very sensitive with my hubby wanting to stay put at home and have his parents round (which means I do all the cooking and waitressing), and me vying to go my mum’s and not cook. I try not to feel bah humbug about the festive season but it does get my back up how much the day gets hyped. The festive ads on TV started on 1 November, or was it even earlier? That’s just nuts (or should I say, roasted chestnuts). I’ve been online shopping like crazy to try and get everyone’s presents sorted – with half an eye on the practicalities of where all the stuff will get stashed once the kids have tired of it. I know that after a few days the kids will resort back to default mode. Default mode is texting (Scarlett), playing Minecraft (Alfie) and chasing cats around (Poppy). We’ve new pets. Yes, that’s in the plural. Our cat never returned so we’ve two kittens who have happily trashed those parts of the house that our previous cat missed. But we’ll forgive them because they’re super cute.
Suzie xx
So onwards we go – muddling through another Christmas which I expect will all work out just fine in the end. It always does.
10 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
Craft Corner
Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk for full instructions on how to make these crafts
Bottle caps snowmen
Candy cane mice Cone tree Heart felt decorations
Toilet Roll Owl
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 11
CHILDREN’S WINTER ILLNESSES
THE LOW DOWN W
inter has arrived, and along with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. Runny noses and coughs abound, especially among children. Here are some pointers outlining some of the more common winter illnesses – and key tips on how to keep your family healthy this winter.
SORE THROAT
COMMON COLD
STREP THROAT
A cold is a viral infection marked by runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, or headache. Children may also have low level fevers early in the illness. Colds are caused by hundreds of different types of virus and can occur year round, although they are most frequent in the winter months. Most colds worsen over 3-5 days and then begin to improve and their course by around 7-10 days.
CROUP
Croup often comes on suddenly in the middle of the night. You may wake up to your child coughing loudly. The croup cough often is described as ‘barking’ or ‘like a seal’. Your child may also be making a high-pitched, or wheezing noise while breathing. Children with mild and moderate coughs can often be looked after at home. Severe croup will require a trip to the doctor for nebuliser treatments and steroids.
INFLUENZA
Commonly known as the Flu, it usually comes on quickly with high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches and pains. The fever often lasts up to 5 days. There are some antiviral medications available to help fight the flu, but generally, these are only recommended for children at risk of more serious complications. Some children aged 6 and under are eligible for the NHS’ nasal spray flu vaccine – check with your GP.
Sore throats are common in winter and are almost always caused by viral infections. There’s some evidence that changes in temperature, such as going from a warm, centrally heated room to the icy outdoors, can also affect the throat.
Strep is most often seen in school-aged children. Children frequently present with sore throat, headache, and stomachache. Some children will get high fevers or vomit. Strep throat does not cause cold symptoms or coughing. It can usually be easily treated with antibiotics (it’s a bacterial infection rather than a virus), and children with strep throat should be treated to help prevent later complications from this infection.
NOROVIRUS
Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is an extremely infectious (viral) stomach bug. It can strike all year round, but is more common in winter and in places such as hotels and schools. The illness is unpleasant, but it’s usually over within a couple of days.
CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES You can take some simple steps to help prevent the spread of a virus, though it’s worth bearing in mind that people are often contagious before their symptoms materialise. For example: • wash your hands regularly, particularly before handling food • always sneeze and cough into tissues – this will help prevent any virus-containing droplets from entering the air where they can infect others; you should throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands • clean kitchen and work surfaces regularly • use your own cup, plates and cutlery • don’t share towels or toys with someone who has a cold
12 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
BEATING SCHOOLBAG PAIN B
ack pain in school-age children has been linked to heavy schoolbags and ill-fitting classroom seating. Nearly half of all pupils have had occasional backache from poor posture, carrying overloaded bags and leading an unhealthy lifestyle. A recent study of over 1,400 schoolchildren found that over half the children had backpacks exceeding 10% of their body weight. The research also found that those carrying the heaviest backpacks had a 50% higher risk of back pain than those carrying the lightest and a 42% higher risk of diagnosed back problems. However, while school backpacks are believed to be linked to back pain and disorders in later life, problems are exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and poor muscle tone. Experts advise that schoolchildren should not carry loads exceeding 10% of their body weight and point out that the such weights would not be allowed for adults in employment. The backbone isn’t really a bone at all - it’s made up of 33 little bones, called vertebrae, all stacked up and held together by ligaments. The spine, or backbone, isn’t completely straight: it curves slightly forward as it runs up your back and it helps support your head and upper body. Putting too much weight on the spine can change the way you lean, forcing your back into a bad position. Carrying too much weight can injure your bones, nerves and soft tissues in the back. Rucksacks are the best bags because they spread the weight. It’s
important they are carried over both shoulders, and make sure the straps are adjusted so that the bag is held close to the back. Heavy satchels and shoulder bags are best avoided. If your child finds it difficult to stand up straight or move when wearing their bag, then it’s too heavy. Make sure they are only carrying things they need and leave heavy objects at home or school. Try to encourage them to think about how you pack your bag heavier objects should be packed first and placed on the inside of the bag, close to the spine and pelvis. Shoes are important too - soft-soled shoes that are supportive and have a good grip will make it easier for your child to carry a heavier school bag. However, getting active is the best thing you can do to help your children’s back health. The fitter they are, the less likely they are to hurt themselves. Encourage them to adopt a good posture when sitting at home, at school or in the car and take care when lifting heavy objects - bending using their knees and asking an adult to help. It’s important they tell a teacher or parents if they feel any back pain. Watch out for any redness or soreness on the shoulders as it could mean that their bag is too heavy. Encourage your child to exercise regularly or plan joint activities, such as a walk in the countryside or a trip to a swimming pool, as it’s vital to build strong back muscles.
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 13
HEY! competitions WINNERS
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To win, answer this question: Which famous queen had a sponge cake named after her?
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Please note: these tickets can be used on any standard day, but they are not valid for special events. Please check their website for special event dates. With this ticket you can go and visit the caves and learn about the witch of Wookey, explore Dinosaur Valley, experience the 4D cinema, get lost in the Mirror Maze and go crazy on the Pirate Island Golf course! Please check website for opening times.
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HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning these fantastic prizes, simply visit www.heymag.co.uk and click on the Competitions button, complete the form and enter your answers. It couldn’t be easier! Closing date for entries: January 10th 2016
14 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
RECIPES
Visit our website at www.heymag.co.uk to find out how to make these festive treats
Swiss roll penguin
Cheese reindeer
Strawberry santa hats
Gingerbread men
Bauble cakes
Snowman marshmallows
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 15
What’s On Until December 3
The Festival of Light at Longleat Hundreds of illuminated designs (some measuring up to 20 metres in height, and 70 metres in length) transform the worldfamous Wiltshire estate.
Until December 3
Snow White at Bristol Hippodrome. Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the fairest panto of all? Well it’s sure to be the Hippodrome’s panto with spectacular cast, music, dance, sumptuous sets and costumes and a laugh-a-minute script. TV and film star Warwick Davis heads up the cast of Snow White as head dwarf Prof, joining him is CBeebies star Andy Day (Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures) as Muddles and Hippodrome panto comedy favourite Andy Ford returns as the Henchman. (0)117 302 3310.
December 12
Cinema at Victoria Hall. Minions, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Victoria Hall, Church Street Radstock
December 12-13
Haynes Festive Food & Gift Fayre Looking for Christmas presents with a difference? Find unique handmade gifts for your friends and family at Haynes Festive Food and Gift Fayre. Over 50 stalls will provide festive inspiration and gift ideas galore. Browse the stalls picking up delicious food for Christmas. This is a great opportunity for you to buy all of your fresh, local produce for the festive season. Haynes Motor Museum.
December 12-13, 19-20
Visit Santas Grotto at Cholderton Charlie’s Farm Story time with Santa, a gift, animal cuddling corner, Elsa and Anna join in the fun, photo opportunities and more.
December 12, 16, 19, 22 and 23
December 18
Christmas Disco Party at Junction 21 Disco party includes: dancing, playing & party games, a hot box meal for every child, unlimited squash, a present from Santa for every child. £7.50 ticket - STRICTLY TICKETS ONLY - limited number available! (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
December 19-20
Illuminated Festive Trail at Dunster Castle Follow this self-led trail and see the gardens illuminated with festive lighting. Don’t forget to visit the shop to pick up some festive treats. National Trust members free. Last entry is 6.30pm.
Until December 24
Christmas Experience at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park Enjoy a fantastic Christmas Experience at Avon Valley, includes: ALL DAY entry to the park, visit to Father Christmas’ Grotto where your child will get a hand delivered gift from him, mug of hot chocolate, reindeer safari trip, entry to the Elf Craft Workshop, free photo opportunity in the grotto; snow machine forest & stalls,and some Christmas surprises too! £15.50 for children, £5.00 for adults. Booking is essential.
Until January 3
Bath On Ice Come and enjoy spectacular family fun at this festive ice rink. This year we also feature glow in the dark adventure golf as a great adventure for all ages. Make sure to try our lovely wood-fired pizza’s and great range of drinks at the bar. Suitable for all ages, we offer skate aids for children who need a bit of help getting started. For more info visit our website or call 07960083303. During off peak: Adult-£8.75 Child £7.25 During Peak: Adult £10 Child £9.
Until January 5
Victorian Christmas at Trowbridge Museum Come and visit our cosy Victorian parlour, meet Father Christmas and listen to stories read by our Victorian lady. Includes a Christmas gift for every child. 11:00 and 11:30am. £2.50 per child.
Lacock’s snow joke Christmas trail Follow our self-led family trail to find the snowfolk around the abbey grounds to find some truly awesome festive jokes that will fill you with festive cheer. Some of the trail continues out in the lovely village. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for full details.
December 12-13, 19-23
Until January 10
Santa Visits at Farrington PlayBarn Come along for festive fun and games. Cost £3.00 including a gift.
December 13
Get Christmas Crafty at Dunster Castle Get crafty and create your own decorations including peg fairies and mini Christmas trees to take home.
Jack and the Beanstalk at The Theatre Royal, Bath Make sure the whole family is full of beans this Christmas and follow the hilarious ups and downs of our hero Jack Trott, the boy who manages to sell the family’s only valuable possession, Daisy the Cow, for a handful of beans. See www.theatreroyal.org.uk for more details.
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BURNS NIGHT B
urns’ Night is annually celebrated in Scotland, and by Scots living the world over, on or around January 25. It commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture. Formal events include toasts and readings of poems written by Burns, whose best known work is ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – a poem traditionally sung in the UK on New Year’s Eve. Ceremonies during a Burns’ Night supper vary but the evening often centres on the grand entrance of the haggis (a type of sausage prepared in a sheep’s stomach) on a large platter to the sound of a piper playing bagpipes. After the haggis is placed on the table, the host reads the ‘Address to a Haggis’ - an ode that Burns wrote to the Scottish dish. At the end of the reading, the haggis is ceremonially sliced into two pieces and the meal begins.
Other foods associated with Burns’ Night include cock-a-leekie soup (chicken and leek soup); neeps (mashed turnips or swedes) and tatties (mashed potatoes); cranachan (whipped cream mixed with raspberries and served with sweet oat wafers); and bannocks (a kind of bread cooked on a griddle). Whisky is the traditional drink. At traditional Burns’ Night events, men sometimes wear kilts and women may wear shawls, skirts or dresses made from their family tartan. A tartan was originally a woolen cloth with a distinctive pattern made by using different colours of weft and warp when weaving. Particular patterns and combinations of colours were associated with different areas, clans and families. The Scottish flag is often displayed at Burns’ Night celebrations. It is known as the Saltire and consists of a rectangular blue background with thick white bars on the diagonals. The diagonals form a cross that represents St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 17
The Night Before Christmas
We all have a busy schedule, so many chores with the run up to Christmas but one thing we recommend you do on the evening of Christmas Eve, is to take a few minutes to get cosy with the kids, make hot chocolate and inspire the magic of Christmas with this popular poem.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
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HAVE A LOOK AT PRIMARY SCHOOL MEALS IN BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET! WHY SHOULD WE ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO HAVE A HOT SCHOOL MEAL? Research has shown that children who eat a healthy school meal at lunchtime have improved behaviour, attendance and academic performance. Children were also more likely to eat vegetables at lunchtime instead of less healthy food like crisps and chocolate. The Children’s Food Trust suggests only 1% of packed lunches meet the nutritional standards that school meals do. School meals are a great way for children to their eating habits and to learn about the social side of eating with their friends. They can help fussy eaters too! Many parents and carers tell us that school meals have helped children try foods in schools that they refuse at home. WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS A SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENT? For parents and carers whose child may have a specific food allergy, intolerance or cultural need please speak directly to your child’s school. The school will then be able to liaise directly with the catering service to ensure your child’s dietary requirements are met and they are able to enjoy a school meal along with their class mates. WHO SUPPLIES SCHOOL MEALS? Bath and North East Somerset have a central council catering service who supply 60 infant, junior and primary schools across the authority.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL (PUPIL PREMIUM) Your school may also ask you if you are in receipt of certain benefits. This is because if you are and you register for Free School Meals, your registration will attract additional funding for your child’s school. This funding is called Pupil Premium and the amounts are £1,320 per Primary pupil and £935 per Secondary pupil for the financial year 2015-16. You should register even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and receiving a free school meal anyway. You can register if: You have children who attend a school in Bath and North East Somerset (except for Oldfield Academy – please register directly with the school) and you receive qualifying benefits: To find out more, please contact the Free School Meals team on 01225 394317 - Monday to Friday or email: freeschoolmeals@bathnes.gov.uk.
The catering service takes pride in knowing that pupils are enjoying a tasty, balanced hot meal at lunchtime and support children to establish good eating habits from a young age. School meals have changed over the years; menus are compiled to offer children an imaginative range of interesting dishes and are planned and prepared to a high standard meeting the nutritional needs of children in line with the Government’s national standards for school food. The price of a school meal in B&NES has been held since 2010 at £2.00, to support families. Included within the cost of £2.00 children are able to choose a main course option, a choice of salad or vegetables as well as a choice of pudding of the day, fresh fruit or organic yoghurt. Bread, milk or water is offered daily. OUR ETHOS: Meals are prepared using fresh local ingredients including organic items such as flour and milk. ‘Freedom Food’ (FF). accredited chicken and pork are used and all fish products meet ‘Marine Stewardship Council’ Standards (MSC). The Schools Meals Service is committed to the Soil Association’s ‘Food for Life’ initiative and menus have achieved the ‘Bronze Catering Mark’ standard.
Share your experiences of school meals in B&NES on our Facebook page. My School Lunch Bathnes
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 19
STAY SAFE THIS WINTER
A
s the days continue to shorten, make sure you and your family stay safe this winter by following these essential and practical tips.
SAFE DRIVING
Check that your car is well maintained and ready to cope with whatever the weather wants to throw at it with adequate screen wash, oil and fuel to last your planned journey. Check the spare tire is roadworthy too. Keep an ice scraper, torch, warm clothes, first aid kit, and shovel in your car, and consider stashing jump leads and a tow rope in the boot. You never know when you or a fellow driver might need these items. Never leave your car engine running on cold winter mornings as you defrost the windscreen, there is a chance the car could move forward. Nor should you leave the car unattended with the engine running in case of theft. Respond to weather warnings – and your car’s own thermometer. Drive more slowly in adverse weather conditions, use your fog lights if needed, watch out for floods, and beware of black ice on a very cold rainy day.
JOURNEY PLANNING
If you are using public transport, plan how and with who you will get home, let someone know where you are and when you should be home, avoid empty compartments on trains, sit near the driver on a bus and only ever use a licenced taxi.
STAYING ACTIVE
If you’re exercising after dark, keep to well-lit areas and wear bright and reflective clothing. Ideally, exercise with a friend, but always tell someone where you’re going. Always use lights when cycling after dark, in the rain or if the weather is overcast. It is illegal to cycle in the dark without a front white light and rear read light. Always wear a helmet when cycling. This is especially important for you (and your children) in the winter months when road conditions are less than ideal. Make sure children wear a helmet
when scooting, skateboarding or roller booting – the damp, dark conditions in winter can lead to accidents. Keep an eye on the weather report, if rain or ice is making exercise dangerous, do it another day. The weather might be better tomorrow, but an injury could take weeks to heal. If you have asthma, take extra care when out and about in winter as cold air can trigger symptoms.
OUT WITH THE KIDS
Make sure your children can be easily seen on dark mornings and evenings. Brightly coloured or reflective clothing is a good idea. Plan your route and walk in well-lit areas whenever you can. Keep away from the kerb area and hold your child’s hand if space permits. Follow the Highway Code and set a good example to your children. Teach your child road sense and, for example, choose spaces where drivers can see them clearly if there are no crossings nearby.
HOME SECURITY
Prevent crime by leaving a light on in your home when you go out at night If you’ve stocked up on your Christmas gifts, keep them in a secure place or, if they are under a Christmas tree, be doubly sure to secure your home if you need to leave it for a few days.
GENERALLY…
Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged, and has sufficient credit, when you leave the house in case you need to make an emergency call. Wrap up warm when you go out, and ensure the kids have enough layers on too. Be visible and consider using a torch if walking in poorly lit places. Remember that in reflective clothing shows up clearly in car headlights, while fluorescent clothing is not so visible after dark. Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours in the winter months, make sure they know they can call on you should they need help.
20 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
Fifty years in showbiz! This year the Bristol School of Performing Arts celebrate over fifty plus years of association with the Bristol Hippodrome and the region’s major venues in providing young performers for professional productions! Little surprising then when it is noted that all BSPA tutors are industry professionals, many of whom regularly travel to Bristol from their London base each week during term time.
www.bspa.biz | info@bspa.biz
Professional productions with which BSPA has been associated over the years read like a veritable ‘who’s who’ of musical theatre! Jesus Christ Superstar Hello Dolly Evita Whistle Down the Wind The Hobbit South Pacific Dr. Dolittle Never Forget (the Take That musical) Annie Oliver (West End) Sound of Music (and tour) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (and tour) Priscilla Queen of the Desert Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (for over forty years!) Plus over fifty years of Bristol Hippodrome pantomimes. The list is endless! So why not come along for a free trial. The next opportunity could well be yours! BSPA, the Performing Arts School bringing professional tuition and West End opportunities to your doorstep.
HEYMAG.CO.UK | 21
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS ON A BUDGET Christmas doesn’t have to be an expensive time of year. By setting yourself an affordable budget and sticking to it you’ll be able to start the New Year without mountains of unplanned debt. Use our tips to help you make the most of the money.
WRITE A LIST Estimate the cost of each present and check that the total is within your budget. Stick to your list. Sounds simple, but it’s easy to get carried away when Christmas lights are twinkling and gifts are displayed to entice you to buy. PLAN WHAT TO BUY AND WHEN Some things are best paid for early to get the best deals, for example travel, and others best to leave until the last minute, such as stocking fillers. COMPARE PRICES of different retailers as well as internet and shop prices - they often differ. Price comparison websites can be useful but use more than one source to get a full range of price information. BUDGET FOR DELIVERY COSTS If you’re buying online remember to budget for delivery costs and try and consolidate your shopping to get the best delivery prices. Search for discounts - you can find vouchers in magazines and voucher codes online. If there is space to enter a discount code, always search for one. DON’T BE TEMPTED Two-for-one, three-for-two, mix-and-match or other enticing offers are there to tempt you. Check the original prices to make sure that they really are value for money. And only buy them if you really need them.
DO YOU NEED INSURANCE? Check your
Christmas gifts are covered by your existing contents insurance policy. And think twice before buying any extended warranties you may already be covered. And if you dare to leave your food shopping until Christmas Eve afternoon, there are bargains to be had! With lots of things competing for your hard-earned cash, it can be hard to find the money to pay for Christmas as well as your regular outgoings. CUT BACK See if you can find one or two areas where you can make savings, eg packed lunches for you or your children, or cancelling a gym or magazine membership which you’re not using. TRY A CLOTHES SWAP Instead of buying a new outfit, why not swap with friends or use an online swap agency? SELL UNWANTED GOODS Online auctions can be a good way of converting things you don’t need or use to cash (including last year’s unused Christmas presents!), but take care and use online auctions safely. Think about swapping Christmas cards for online messages or e-cards. With the price of postage increasing on a regular basis, this could be a real money-saver and is also good for the environment. If you are getting benefits, did you know you may be entitled to a Christmas bonus? And if you don’t currently get benefits, find out if you should be. See the Directgov website for more information. If you are planning to borrow to help pay for Christmas then make sure it is the best borrowing available to you. And only borrow what you can afford to pay back.
You could be reading YOUR advert. 01761 410141 or email
info@ignyte-uk.co.uk
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22 | HEYMAG.CO.UK
WOW
EMAIL US YOUR WOW! PHOTOS AND DETAILS TO INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK
WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT Billy Smith, aged 6. In year 2 at Samuel Whites Infant School in Hanham, Bristol. He has just got his 20m and stage 2 badges at swimming, his 3rd badge in 3 weeks.
Callum Webb has received a special award certificate for sounding out his letters independently. Well done Callum.
William Monof aged 6 has achieved his stage 2 in swimming. Well done William.
Molly Church Year 4 has recently competed in a Baskervilles gymnastics competition coming 1st overall. Well done Molly.
Ella Mae Rowe has been given Star of the Week for being more independent in class. Well done Ella Mae.
Bradley Hancock Year 3 was the winner of the Christmas Fayre poster design competition. Well done Bradley. The poster looked amazing!
Cooper Nolan aged 4 has achieved his level 8 in gymnastics. A great achievement Cooper.
Oliver Higgs aged 4 has received an achievement award for outstanding learning..
Florence Hawkes aged 5 has received an award for having a fantastic attitude to learning. Well done Florence.
Has your child been awarded a certificate, or won an event? Have they achieved something they would like to tell everyone? Then make sure they are included in the next issue of HEY! JUST SEND US AN EMAIL WITH THEIR NAME, AGE, SCHOOL THEY ATTEND AND ACHIEVEMENT. IT’S THAT EASY! EMAIL INFO@IGNYTE-UK.CO.UK
Book a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit Keep your loved ones safe
Receive free advice from your local firefighters about reducing risk in your home and how you would escape in an emergency. Smoke alarms will also be fitted for free if required.
To book a visit 0117 926 2061 Text ‘visit’ to 07507 319 694 www.avonfire.gov.uk @AvonFireRescue
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www.gamewagon.co.uk
NEW TO THE SOUTH WEST
It’s new, it’s fun and it’s here age appropriate simultaneous players all the latest multiplayer games self-contained gaming environment Game Experience Manager on-hand weatherproof birthday party solution no stress, no mess - just FUN!
You name the time, You name the place, We bring the PARTY! A Gamewagon video game party is a fun-filled event for you daughter or son and their friends held in our Gamewagon. All of our parties and events are run by our fully trained and CRB checked Game Experience Managers so that every event is structured, safe and fun. We come right to your door or we can hold a party at any location you choose. Gamewagon also run coding clubs as after school clubs or school holiday workshops see their web site below. www.juniorgamecreators.co.uk
Gamewagon are the best in the business. With over 4,500 parties held and getting rave reviews. HEY readers get a 10% discount on a party booking or on a Junior Game Creator workshop held in venues at the February half term.
10% voucher code below
Just quote the code below when booking.
HEY2015 www.facebook.com/gamewagon
0845 319 4263
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